And so, Claire could only follow obediently. Eventually, the wind picked up, cutting through her like icy blades. She couldn't tell if it was exhaustion making her feel it so sharply, or dread crawling beneath her skin. Just as she was about to voice another skeptical, sarcastic remark, the stranger said, "We're here."
He fumbled with the wall, his back still turned to her. Claire tensed, ready to strike the moment the door opened. But as if he had eyes on the back of his head, he spoke first.
"If you kill me now, you'll never know why I helped you… and you might miss out on the biggest surprise of your life."
That single sentence froze Claire in place, leaving her stunned and hesitant behind him.
'Does this person only know how to threaten me?' Claire thought bitterly. 'He must be so scared of me making a move that he keeps throwing out all kinds of bait just to stall for time.'
